AmaZulu gear up for new season
REBUILDING: CLUB ADD FOUR PLAYERS TO THEIR SQUAD
Johnson’s men play Arrows in a friendly match on Saturday.
AmaZulu began their pre-season training yesterday minus their new striker Emiliano Tade, who has been described as a prolific scorer. The Argentinian is only expected to link up with his new side next week.
“We have almost everyone back including our new players. The coach (Cavin Johnson) wanted an early start so that the players can adapt to his methods earlier and the new guys can also blend into the team before the season starts,” said Usuthu spokesman Brilliant Mkhathini yesterday.
The club have added Nhlanhla Vilakazi, Moeneeb Josephs, Tade and Charlie Hlelela to their ranks ahead of their second campaign in the top flight since they bought the status of Thanda Royal Zulu.
Hlelela was discovered at the ABC Motsepe League play-offs, Mkhathini said. Johnson’s side will play a friendly match against Golden Arrows on Saturday but Mkhathini said they have both agreed to use their MultiChoice Diski Challenge teams.
“We are playing the We are One Cup because it bodes well with our CSI projects. But the coaches were unhappy about how early this will be in their pre-season programmes and we agreed they would use the MDC teams,” said Mkhathini.
He said the club might add a few more new players depending on their availability as Johnson had made some recommendations. Mkhathini said Usuthu want to go big next season and start competing for trophies like they used to do in the good old days.
“We are a big club with a good following and our fans demand we command respect in the top flight and the only way to do that is by having a competitive team that will go for trophies. We were sad to have been taken out of the top eight because we were already excited to participate in the MTN8 which we aimed to win,” he added.
Orlando Pirates have, meanwhile continued their clear out with left back Marc van Heerden handed his clearance yesterday after they agreed to terminate their relationship. Van Heerden joins Ayanda Gcaba, Riyadh Norodien and Brighton Mhlongo as players who have been shipped out.
More players are expected to follow in the near future with coach Micho Sredojevic having already signed nine players ahead of the new season.
We are a big club and our fans demand we command respect.